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Gordon and Jamie can keep swearing says C4 boss
Amar Singh12.11.08
THE head of Channel 4 today said he would not "rein in" celebrity chefs Gordon Ramsay and Jamie Oliver over their use of the F word.
Julian Bellamy, who is responsible for the broadcaster's TV output, said the channel had struck the right balance over the use of "fruity language".
Speaking at the launch of Channel 4's winter season of programmes, Mr Bellamy said: "You always have to strike a careful balance to allow people to express themselves naturally but without doing it in a gratuitous way.
"I think most people see we get that balance right with Jamie and Gordon.
"I understand why people feel strongly about it, but when both of them use fruity language it's a real and authentic expression of how they feel at the time."
Mr Bellamy also gave his views on the furore over obscene messages left by Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand on the phone of actor Andrew Sachs.
"You must not let occasional misjudgments tip us into a new era of cultural conservatism and censorship," he said. "I hope it doesn't lead to a collective loss of confidence.
"I am concerned about the issue because it underscores the value of Channel 4, which is a champion for pushing the boundaries."
Mr Bellamy's comments came after ITV chief Michael Grade called for less swearing on television and was backed by Culture Secretary Andy Burnham.
Oliver, who will be back on Channel 4 in the New Year, was singled out for criticism over the use of the F word in one of his shows. Mr Bellamy said today: "We are not reining Jamie back. When he swears it reflects his passion and determination to change things."
In Jamie Saves Our Bacon, Oliver will examine why pig farmers are going out of business.
It is one of a series of campaigning food programmes fronted by celebrity chefs.
In Gordon's Great British Nightmare, Ramsay will try to persuade the public to use local restaurants.
In Big Chef, Little Chef, Heston Blumenthal will attempt to turn around the ailing roadside café chain.
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall will, meanwhile, try to use his new position as a Tesco shareholder to get the supermarket to stock more free-range chicken.
The broadcaster, which has a £150million budget shortfall, is spending £25million less next year on TV output than on the previous year.
Mr Bellamy said budget restraints prevented the channel from commissioning as many dramas as previously.
He also confirmed the return of Celebrity Big Brother in January, after it was "rested" following the race row involving Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty.
Mr Bellamy said: "Celebrity Big Brother is a brilliant programme. I adore it and it's an extraordinarily powerful show. We rested it last year for several reasons and that has creatively rejuvenated it."
The season will also feature a series exploring alternative views on Christianity presented by personalities including Michael Portillo, Ann Widdecombe, Rageh Omaar and Cherie Blair.
The eight hour-long programmes were described by the broadcaster as the most ambitious religious programming commission in its history.
Reader views (11)
I want people on TV to speak in a way that reflects real-life speech. For this reason, I find swearing wholly acceptable and appropriate. As it happens, I find Gordon Ramsay hugely offensive - but that's because of his ethics, not because of his language.
- Charlie, Soho, London
I agree with Mr. Bellamy's POV. These programs are not for children, and adults who don't care for this kind of language should change the channel. At least the British version of these programs are not "bleeped" as they are here in the USA; IMO a very hypocritical thing to do. It's amusing to me that folks in the UK and Australia are in such an uproar about this topic given the language one easily hears in their streets, shops, and pubs! With respect, good people, just don't watch shows that offend you and allow the rest of us to watch what we want to watch.
- Zan, Pahrump, NV USA
I am a great fan of Gordon Ramsey, in my mid sixties I can remember the drill Sargent's who used such language to make a point, he also lacked sufficient vocabulary to express himself in any other way, but none the less a good role model as is Ramsey. There is no need for the F word it is totally disrespectful, however it has become part of the normal English language in the UK. I find it quite embarrassing when my English friends think nothing of using the F word when speaking with women, then again I have noticed the F word is part of the female language as well in the UK. I am not a prude but there is a time and place and on the TV is not one of them, pity, Ramsey has so much to offer, as for Jamie, well I guess his heart is in the right place and I think he does it to play in the big league, I am also an Essex boy and the have little need to use the F word.
- Apointofview, USA
The problem with Ramsay & Oliver (and Brand & Ross for that matter) is that they think that by swearing on TV they will look "cool" and "street". The reality is that to everybody except the chavs they look thick, stupid and uneducated; which of course is exactly what they are.
- Casper Slides, France
The use of such language is immoral and offensive, corrupts our infants, and is in most cases used by oafs. Time the use of such swear words in public became criminal offences once again.
- Robert El-Cid,, Hull, East Yorks.,
These two are a lot worse than Ross and Brand ever were. How about a TV ban of say 5 years each?
- Keith Price, Luton, England
This just goes to show how the people who run these television companies are completely out of touch with their viewers. We don't want bad language on TV. Why should we have to pay for a TV licence only to have to switch off every other programme because of the bad language being used. Ramsey and Oliver should be told to curb their bad language or to leave.
- Les, London
It is quite clear that Julian Bellamy should be sacked today, the man is a complete fool.
- Vince London, West London
Thats why I no longer watch, not much use to generate advert income.
- R Ellis, Devon
Nothing wrong with a plea to return to better language. Amazing how those so worried about the right to use cuss words ignore the real dangers to their "freedom" imposed on them everyday by the gvt. Fools.
- Trunk, US
Jamie Olivers programs are watched by a number of youngsters, hope he finds better words to express himself, the F word is not fruity but disgusting, let us hope his children will not pick them up.
- Tiffy Kabir, Ross-on-Wye, U.K.
